The Rogues Rant

Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.

Well the Lions did a good job on the All Blacks last week restricting them to penalty goals only with a strong defensive effort now setting up a mouth-watering final test at Eden Park, Aukland. The Lions showed a lot of composure throughout the match which Sunny Bill Williams made a little easier for them with his dumb tackle, say no more. He certainly got what he deserved given the recent edicts regarding high tackles let alone no arm tackles. The Lions will need to work on their discipline though, so they won’t give Beauden Barrett the chance to kick them out of the game again. Leading 18 – 9 with twenty three to go it looked like the All Blacks would get away with the match after playing a man down for the most part. Two late tries and the ice man Owen Farrell kicking that goal in the 77th minute to snatch the match away for the Lions, they now have the chance to go home with a series win. On the tele at 5.30PM on Saturday from Eden Park.

It’s a commendable action from the IDRU Board to declare amateur status for Illawarra Rugby. Starting in 2018 clubs will not be allowed to pay players to play in any IDRU competition. There have been plenty of issues in Sydney Suburban Rugby over the years as a result of clubs getting out of control with player payments to the detriment of the Subbies competition. Subbies has had amateur status now for several seasons with at least one club being rubbed out for paying players with club officials and coaches also suspended from any involvement in Rugby. It’s a big call to make but the IDRU Board is to be congratulated for having the strength of their convictions. They are adamant that this is the way to go for the future sake of Illawarra Rugby. Everyone needs to remember though that in this day and age it is very hard for a young bloke to be able to make the sought of commitment to sport of any kind and maintain a job and income at the same time. It’s certainly not as easy as it was in the 1970’s and 80’s. Getting paid to play rugby makes the difference for a lot players to be able to participate given the state of the job opportunities these days. I reckon we will see a reduction in player numbers initially with this policy but hopefully we will be able to maintain the current club numbers across the district.